Jack Mildren “Godfather of the Wishbone” 1949-2008

23May

Larry Jack Mildren, known to Sooner fans everywhere as the “Godfather of the Wishbone” passed away May 22, 2008 in Oklahoma City after a two year battle with stomach cancer. For a brief biography of Jack see

Jack Mildren had the distinction of being my mother’s second favorite OU football player. He achieved that lofty status by virtue of being a good “Abilene boy.” Mom was a 1937 graduate of Abilene High School. She didn’t let a little thing like Jack being from Abilene Cooper stop her. He was second only to Joe Wylie, another Sooner that OU got from Texas. Joe got the top spot because he was a good “Baptist boy.”

We loved him on the football field. We loved him as Lieutenant Governor. We loved him on sports talk. He will be missed.